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Saturday, October 29, 2011

La Leche League Philosophy

The basic philosophy of La Leche League is summarized in the following statements:

• Mothering through breastfeeding is the most natural and effective way ofunderstanding and satisfying the needs of the baby.

• Mother and baby need to be together early and often to establish a satisfyingrelationship and an adequate milk supply.

• In the early years the baby has an intense need to be with his mother whichis as basic as his need for food.

• Breast milk is the superior infant food.

• For the healthy, full-term baby, breast milk is the only food necessary until thebaby shows signs of needing solids, about the middle of the first year after birth.

• Ideally the breastfeeding relationship will continue until the babyoutgrows the need.

• Alert and active participation by the mother in childbirth is a help in gettingbreastfeeding off to a good start.

• Breastfeeding is enhanced and the nursing couple sustained by the lovingsupport, help, and companionship of the baby’s father. A father’s uniquerelationship with his baby is an important element in the child’s developmentfrom early infancy.

• Good nutrition means eating a well-balanced and varied diet of foods in asclose to their natural state as possible.

• From infancy on, children need loving guidance which reflects acceptanceof their capabilities and sensitivity to their feelings.

Followers

La Leche League is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed. All breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding are welcome to come to our meetings or call our Leaders for breastfeeding help.